I have been following with great interest the recent visit of the New York Philharmonic to North Korea. I have read a lot about this performance, both pro and con. I think my fascination in this stems from my own visits to Eastern Europe, prior to the fall of Communism, more than 20 years ago.I … Continue reading The Music of Freedom

The previous post below, and an experience the other night, have me thinking again about what it means to form meaningful Christian community in today's world.One thing I do know. Following Jesus, and having lives that make Him attractive to others today, is in no way similar to the way people did it in 1950, … Continue reading Of Professors and Regular Folks

Alright. Stop. Watch this video. Twice. Maybe more times.This, my friends, is the future. Deal with it.

He was only a year older than me.He was a hero.He loved Jesus with all his heart, and his life displayed it, consistently.And now, he is gone. The entire City of Angels is something less because of this loss.I will be praying for grace, peace and mercy for his dear family.

Today is Abraham Lincoln's birthday. This piece came on KUSC this morning, as Nancy and I awoke. What an appropriate way to start this day.This piece was composed by the legendary (and one of my favorite) American composer, Aaron Copeland, and was performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Zubin Mehta. … Continue reading Mr. Lincoln

Posted below is the reason why I love to fly......it is just amazing to me. Perhaps its in my genetics, as my Dad was a B-17 pilot. It is beyond me how anyone can book a flight and not ask for a window seat.

When theory and reality intersect, sometimes not much happens. At least that is my experience. I think about this a lot.I have been a follower of Christ for the past 28 years. I have lived in the same town for the past 27 years. And I can count on one hand the times that where … Continue reading My Town, Samaria, Jesus, and Me

They are 68 strong, they hail from a small northern Mid-Western college, and they are (save for two members) all very white.But they can sing like you are standing at the Gates of Heaven. I swear it.I first heard of the St.Olaf College Choir in December, when I saw their Christmas concert on PBS. And … Continue reading St. Olaf Choir – Remarkable Music

His name was George. He never missed a church committee meeting, or a potluck dinner, his weekly Sunday school class, or anything at church, for that matter. Nothing. He was there for everything. Part of the landscape. A fixture. It had been that way for years.But to me, George was much more than just a … Continue reading George

This is what beautiful sounds like.